Chattanooga To Host 2013-2015 USA Cycling Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships

Volkswagen of America joins USA Cycling as Title Sponsor

Inaugural Women’s Professional Road Race and Time Trial National Championships slated for 2013

Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 3, 2012) — USA Cycling is pleased and proud to announce that the USA Cycling Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships have been awarded to Chattanooga, Tennessee for 2013-2015 and, as a cornerstone of a new four-year partnership with USA Cycling, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will be the title sponsor of the event.

USA Cycling is also proud to announce that beginning in 2013, the inaugural Women’s Professional Road Race and Time Trial National Championships have been created and will be held in Chattanooga to coincide with the men’s event.

“We are very fortunate to have two excellent partners in Volkswagen and Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga to host USA Cycling’s premier event beginning in 2013,” said Steve Johnson, USA Cycling President & CEO. “I am also proud to say that this new venue will feature the first women’s professional road and time trial national championships. Chattanooga and the region provide USA Cycling’s Professional National Championships with ideal competitive terrain, as well as a spirited history of cycling, community and corporate support."

While specific courses will be developed, it is anticipated that the time trial will take place near the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, which is the first and only LEED® Platinum Certified automotive factory in the world, while the road race route will feature the climb on Lookout Mountain. Medalist Sports will continue to manage the event as they have for the past seven years.

“We are proud to partner with USA Cycling and Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga to bring one of the most iconic cycling events in the world to the hometown of our newest factory, Chattanooga, Tennessee,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “Volkswagen has a storied history and a rich heritage in the sport and we are excited to align with USA Cycling to advance the continued rapid growth of cycling in America while providing unique experiences and opportunities for consumers who share our passion for the sport.”

As part of its commitment to USA Cycling and the sport of cycling, Volkswagen will donate $250 to the USA Cycling Development Foundation for every car sold to a USA Cycling member each year of the sponsorship. Those funds will be used to support the junior, under 23, and women’s development team programs.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Volkswagen and USA Cycling’s prestigious Professional Road and Time Trial Championships”, said John Karr, from the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga. “Chattanooga has been recognized as one of the most cycling friendly cities in the country. Our mountains, along with the rolling terrain will provide not only a challenging venue but one that is also very scenic.”

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and services offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

About USA Cycling

Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 66,500+ licensees; 2,200 clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions 2,650 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit www.usacycling.org

About Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga

The mission is to promote educational opportunities, healthy lifestyles, outdoor recreation, and support the activities of Outdoor Chattanooga. A division of the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee's Parks and Recreation Department, Outdoor Chattanooga promotes outdoor recreation as a signature lifestyle in the region. By performing as a central information and activity resource while striving to increase tourism, attract new business and residents to the community, protect outdoor resources, and enhance the health and well-being of citizens and visitors alike. To learn more: www.outdoorchattanooga.comwww.chattanoogafun.com